Oh, the age-old question—how early should you get to the airport before your flight? The time you need really depends on the airport, time of day, and destination as well as if your flight is domestic or international. While it differs, as a rule, here’s how much time you should allow for at the airport according to Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Domestic Flights
For domestic flights, TSA recommends getting to the airport two hours before the flight. This gives time for parking, shuttle transportation, check-in, and security. If you have a morning flight or can skip any of the steps mentioned above, you can cut it a bit closer. But depending on the time of year and airport, you may want to add an extra 30 minutes to the two hours.
International Flights
TSA recommends getting to the airport three hours before your flight for international flights. This is even more true for return trips to the U.S. because customs pre-screening and agriculture checks can mean longer lines and delays. You’re also less likely to be able to check-in online or get a mobile boarding pass in other countries than you are in the U.S.
